Sunday - The Presentation of the Lord - Sunday, February 2, 2020

Homily The Presentation of the Lord - Sunday, February 2, 2020

Malachi 3:1-4;

Psalm 23:7-10. "Who is this King of glory? It is the Lord!"

Hebrews 2:14-18;

Gospel Acclamation:  Luke 2:32 Alleluia, alleluia! This is the light of revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people, Israel. Alleluia!

Luke 2:22-40

Shutterstock Licensed Image: ID: 1232605426.  Casorate Primo, Italy. 2017/12/8. A stained glass window depicting Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the church of San Vittore Martire. By Adam Jan Figel

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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for The Presentation of the Lord - Sunday, February 2, 2020, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-204-the-feast-of-the-presentation-of-the-lord-february-2nd/s-hhZgO  (EPISODE: 204)

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Prologue:  This weekend, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord occurs on a Sunday, and as a Feast day of the Lord it overrides the usual Sunday calendar of readings.  This feast originated in Jerusalem before the fifth century and was adopted in Rome during the seventh century. Celebrated forty days after Christmas, commemorating the ritual as prescribed by the Law of Moses, which the Holy Family fulfilled at this time when they presented the child Jesus, at the temple.  At this time, Lukes Gospel recounts the encounter of Jesus with Simeon and Anna in the temple. This Feast day is also a traditional time in the Christian calendar for the blessing of candles for prayer use, - the blessing of which is found in the introductory rites and the candles are carried in the entrance procession. This is because  of the reference by Simeon in his prayerful song....  that Christ is "the light to enlighten all nations".

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All of Israel longed and Hoped for the Christ…. Mary and Joseph.. and Elizabeth and Zechariah… and so many more.. had longed and waited for the fulfilment of God's promises…

Waiting, Hoping, and longing for the coming of the Lord, and the establishment of God's Kingdom, in and through the Christ.

And we too, long and hope for all that God has promised us would one day be completed…..

Today's Feast reminds us that Our Hopes and deepest longings WILL be FULFILLED, - - BY our faithful God. We will be satisfied, for all our longing that match with the values and longings of the Kingdom of God.

Also in the Scriptures, this weekend is: "Freedom from Fear" and "forgiveness of sin." We can trust that God is an unconditionally loving parent… who sent us his only beloved Son, Jesus Christ to save us and show us his mercy. Christ, who is one of us, and who atones for our sins on our behalf.. and who is compassionate and trustworthy… and empathises with our struggles and temptations, … Jesus shows us the fullness of what God is like – So its inconsistent with this vision to see our God as a scary, capricious, temperamental,  inconsistent or an unpleasant Being with whom we do not know where we stand or where we doubt that we have any chance to be saved….This is not God as revealed by Christ.

We "fear God" only in the original sense of that word...  of being in "Awe" of God's astounding greatness and goodness. And although we would never dare to act in such a way that we presume on God's forebearance, taking it for granted or using it as an excuse in advance of doing the wrong things… We are, nevertheless, right to trust and hope in humble, penitential, confidence.

Anna was said to be always in the temple, praying, hoping and watching… And Simeon is an upright, and godly man who longs for God's Kingdom. They are wonderful expressions of the hope-filled, faithful, prayerful and loyal disciples of God which we all strive to be…….. Simeon and Anna, were representative of the type of people who can be described as the "Quiet in the Land." (as in  Psalm 35: 20), - people who live peaceful, amiable and religious lives. These peaceful, gentle and hopeful people held no desires for a violent and terrible overthrowing of the nation's enemies,.. Nor did they long for a Warrior-like Messiah (a dreadful warrior King) arriving to bring down the enemy and subdue them with the force of armies with swords and banners; Rather, they believed in a life of constant prayer and quiet watchfulness until God should come and bring in his Kingdom of peace, justice, mercy and abundance.

All their lives they waited quietly, patiently and peacefully upon God. Simeon and Anna were like that; in prayer, in worship, in humble and faithful expectation, they were waiting for the day when God would arrive and comfort his people. One also gets the strong impression that they weren't just like wallflowers in the temple or in daily life. They were surely putting their faith and prayer into action...   engaging with people who visited on pilgrimage...  helping people out and listening to their troubles and praying with them and strengthening them.  Being so long in the temple Anna must have seen countless joys, sorrows, tragedies and victories of ordinary people's lives and shared with them in their laughter and in their tears. 

God had promised Simeon, through the Holy Spirit, that his life would not end before he had seen God's own Anointed King in the flesh. Finally, in his advanced old age, Simeon recognised that the baby Jesus, being presented in the Temple, by his loving mother Mary, and his faithful step-father Joseph, that this child was indeed 'coming home' in a sense that he was arriving in his Heavenly Father's House by arriving at the temple.  Simeon recognised that his was the long-hoped-for Messiah and King...  And Simeon was overjoyed! Now he was ready to depart in peace and his words have become another of the great and precious songs of praise taken up by generations of believers in the  Church…. "At last all powerful master, you give leave to your servant to go in peace, according to your promise.... for my eyes have seen the salvation of the Lord…."(%%) (Wonderful, beautiful… ) (%%)

We also see in the gospel…. Anna the widow. She has surely  known sorrow, tragedy and hardship in her long and humble life.  And yet she has never lost hope or joy. Anna… did not let difficulties, sorrows, pain or advancing age make her hard, bitter, resentful, or rebellious against God. But rather, Anna remained kind, positive, gentle,, sympathetic, hope-filled, prayerful… faith-filled - and very, very close to God…(%%) .

Anna.. spent her days in the temple…. Sees God as not distant and detached; but rather as intimately connected with her own life and all of our lives, with God having his hand on the helm.  She was delighted and happy to be a servant in God's house. (%%)

She never ceased to worship. She spent her life in God's house with God's people. God gave us his church to be our mother in the faith. We rob ourselves of a priceless treasure when we neglect to be one with his worshipping people regularly. (%%)

She never ceased to pray. Public worship is great; but private worship is also great. As someone once said, "They pray best together who first pray alone." (but two aspects are in fact inseparable .. private and public worship are essential. complimentary aspects of the same thing). The years had left Anna wise and with unshakable hope because day by day she kept her contact with him who is the source of strength and in whose strength our weakness is made perfect." %%

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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

(%%) - quoted from and adapted from Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Luke. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press.

Shutterstock Licensed Image: ID: 1232605426.  Casorate Primo, Italy. 2017/12/8. A stained glass window depicting Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the church of San Vittore Martire. By Adam Jan Figel


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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au

To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com

To listen to my weeklyhomily audio podcast, please click thislink here.

NB - It is often aweek or so Ahead: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:

"Faith, Hope and Love,  - Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Prayers and chants  — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989,  and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009,  The Grail - Collins publishers.

Prayers of the Faithful -   " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'.   E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).

{Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -  by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The ….Gloria,  copyright 2011 ccwatershed.org. }

"Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of  William John Kelly -     Inspired by  1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul Kelly. Arranged, with additional lyrics and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

"Today I Arise" - For Patricia Kelly.  By Paul W. Kelly.. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer.  Arranged, with additional lyrics and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

[ Production -  KER 2020 ]

May God bless and keep you.

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The Presentation of the Lord

(Sunday, February 2, 2020)

(EPISODE: 204)

The Lord be with you.

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{{May Our Lord's gift of hope encourage you.}}

My friends in Christ, to worthily celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us first acknowledge our sins.?

Lord Jesus, you have revealed yourself as the way to the Father: Lord, have mercy//You have poured out on your people the Spirit of truth: Christ, have mercy//You are the Good Shepherd, leading us to eternal life: Lord, have mercy.//

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

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Memorial Acclamation

3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.

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The Mystery of the Presentation of the Lord

Eucharistic Prayer II

Communion side. pwk: LH

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{Thanks everyone, and have a grace-filled and compassion-filled week.}

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, January 26, 2020

Homily Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, January 26, 2020

Readings:   
Is 8:23 - 9:3; 

Psalm: 26:1, 4, 13-14   "The Lord is my light and my salvation"

1 Cor 1:10-13, 17; 

Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 4:23  "Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus preached the good news of the Kingdom. And healed all who were sick."

Mt 4:12-23

Shutterstock Licensed: stock photo ID: 1453090532. fisherman net with sunset in the sea. By Aran Charanyananda.
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, January 26, 2020, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-202-third-sunday-of-ordinary-time-year-a/s-O9hq9  (EPISODE: 202)
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If we thought that the infant church was more filled with the Spirit.,… more united…… more idyllic than ours today….. The second reading quickly brings us back to reality…

The Corinthian community back in new testament times had just as many misunderstandings, conflicts, personality clashes and power plays and ego clashes as one can see in modern society. The Corinthian community was, art the time of Paul's letter to them, quite divided…. It was bickering and fragmenting…. Ambition, pride, political wrangling, and misunderstanding was damaging the community… and the second reading tells us that people were taking sides along the lines of various personalities in the community. Instead of the message of Jesus' Gospel… but Saint Paul implored the community members to remember their unity in Jesus…I n order that we put our service in the hands of Jesus' good news, St Paul reminds us that fostering a sense of unity – that is, seeing ourselves as all on about one and the same mission, one single project with different aspects, - this mindset is absolutely essential.

The calling of the disciples is both a wonderful example to us of the response of a disciple as well as having a deeper metaphorical meaning….  Jesus called his disciples and they dropped everything and followed him immediately, leaving everything behind.  They did this literally and also figuratively…  They left their previous life behind and its attachments and also they – in a sense – forgot themselves and their own plans and ambitions and followed a new path of being on about Christ's vision.

Saint Paul in the second reading continues this theme of self-forgetting and Christ-focusing!   If there is to be any ambition at all (as St Paul puts it elsewhere in his writings)….it must only be the ambition to support each other and all others - In Christ - with all our hearts... If there is to be any competition in the Christian community… it is only to be trying to excel in truly showing each-other, mutually,  the kindness and compassion of Christ and by striving with all our effort at working together with our vision looking outward and forward, towards the goal Our Lord himself has set…..... St Paul, when he says this, knew that this was not always easy... In fact, it requires sacrifice, humility and real dedication... (division can occur for different reasons.. people may genuinely disagree on how to achieve a goal or a value… but as St Paul says in another letter, the answer to such dilemmas goes down to the fundamental debt we have to one another….….(this time to the Roman community of believers)… 

The only thing we owe each-other is this….-  the debt of mutual love …… And everything we do, everything we say, must be for the furtherance of Christ's gospel and at the service of the establishment of God's Kingdom and never merely our own needs and ambitions. We are all "for Christ" and not for anything else or anyone else.  

Jesus is the light... In baptism, we are called to carry this 'light of Christ to others.....

Jesus shone his own divine light to others by forgiving, healing, welcoming, sharing, inviting and giving.....we think about the many ways we are invited to bring Christ's light to others... And especially in all we do and say ….to make the light of Christ shine brighter in us, through us, and be seen at work in the community....... On this Australia Day long weekend, we give thanks for all the wonderful gifts we have received in this country... The gifts we have, are given to share...... Striving to be united in one purpose and heart.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Matthew. Part I.  2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press.

Image: Shutterstock Licensed: stock photo ID: 1453090532. fisherman net with sunset in the sea. By Aran Charanyananda.
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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au

To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:

"Faith, Hope and Love, A time of Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Prayers and chants — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, revised - 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA).

"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009, The Grail - Collins Publishers. 

Prayers of the Faithful - from "Together we pray". by Robert Borg'. © 1993. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers.

{Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" - by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. Including The Gloria. Copyright © 2011 ccwatershed.org} 

"Faith, Hope and Love" hymn - in memory of William John Kelly - Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music Paul W. Kelly. © 1996. Updated lyrics by Paul Kelly and Stefan Kelk, arranged and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

Please visit homilycatholic.blogspot.com

Production - Kelly Enterprises Resources.            May God bless and keep you. 

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
(Sunday, January 26, 2020)

(EPISODE: 202 )

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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{{May Our Lord's courage, uphold you.}}

Coming together as Gods family, let us call to mind our sins.?
Lord Jesus, you were lifted up to draw all people to yourself: Lord, have mercy//You shouldered the cross, to bear our suffering and sinfulness: Christ, have mercy// You open for your people the way from death into life: Lord, have mercy//
May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation

2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.

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Sundays Ordinary II

Eucharistic Prayer II

Communion side. pwk: LH
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{I pray this week brings you an ever-deeper experience of his compassion and love. }

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

AUSTRALIA DAY NATIONAL DAY (26TH JANUARY)

AUSTRALIA DAY NATIONAL DAY (26^TH JANUARY)

(EPISODE:203)

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading: Isaiah 32:15-18
Psalm: Ps 84:9-14. R. "The Lord speaks of peace to his people."
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 5:9
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12

Image:  Shutterstock licensed image: stock photo ID: 141480565. Wild Koalas along Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australi. By robert cicchetti
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the AUSTRALIA DAY NATIONAL DAY (26TH JANUARY) (EPISODE:) - by clicking this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-203-australia-day-national-day-26th-january-2020/s-EYYrr   (EPISODE:203  )
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Australia Day - 

 

• Lord, please in your mercy make it rain...    
• Lord open the hearts of people everywhere that God's graciousness, generosity and compassion will "rain down everywhere," with their charity, generosity, compassion and plenty of acts of practical care and support;  including much-needed financial assistance... 
• Lord, grant harmony and goodwill and peace and a sense of shared fraternity with all people in our nation, especially the indigenous people of our land who are a wonderful gift and treasure to us all.  And for peace and harmony amongst people across the family of nations.

 

…. The heat, the terrible bushfires and drought is a massive worry to so many people and communities… and leads to incredible hardship….  We continue to pray for desperately needed rain to all the areas in need….    We are so deeply in drought.

 

    But we give thanks

 

Today, we give thanks to God for the many gifts we have been given, and we are reminded that we live in a commonwealth… and that this commonwealth is for the common good…. the gifts we have are gifts to share for the benefit of each other…..  The gifts other individuals and communities and nations have can be shared with us so that together we all have the gifts needed. The gifts that we have, we can share with others who have not, so that we all end up having the fullness of the gifts we need.

 

We pray that people everywhere will deepen their sense of belonging to a commonwealth for common good…. that there will be peace, respect, harmony and care for others in our society…. that we might always spare a thought for the person less fortunate, whether they be next door or in the next country……  

 

And today, (as every day) we pray that our nation and its people develop deep within ourselves yearning for the values of Jesus' Beatitudes…..   // Humility,// Gentleness, // A Passion and a practical commitment to working for Justice, //to be Peacemakers,// people who are merciful and able to reflect God's forbearance to others by giving them new starts, .....and a people who are single-minded in serving God's vision for the world….. respecting the dignity of all people...  caring for our resources...    treating others as we would have them treat us...  having an open heart to people everywhere who are doing it tougher than ourselves, including in this nation and also our brother and sister nations throughout the world.

 

It is good for us to stop and give thanks for God's many gifts to us in this blessed Southern land of the Holy Spirit…..

 

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Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

Image:  Shutterstock licensed image: stock photo ID: 141480565. Wild Koalas along Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australi. By Robert Cicchetti

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Archive of homilies and reflections:  http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here. 
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks 

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address:paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love,  - Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

 

Prayers and chants  — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

 

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989,  and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

 

"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009,  The Grail - Collins publishers. 

 

Prayers of the Faithful -   " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'.   E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).

 

{Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -  by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The ….Gloria,  copyright 2011 ccwatershed.org. } 

 

"Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of  William John Kelly -     Inspired by  1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul Kelly. Arranged, with additional lyrics and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

 

"Today I Arise" - For Patricia Kelly.  By Paul W. Kelly.. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer.  Arranged, with additional lyrics and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019. 

 

[ Production -  KER  2020] 

 

May God bless and keep you. 

AUSTRALIA DAY NATIONAL DAY (26^TH JANUARY)

(EPISODE:  203 )

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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Coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ, let us pause and reflect upon our sins, in order to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.
Brothers and sisters, the Lord is full of love and mercy. And so, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us acknowledge our sins. 

Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God's kingdom: Lord, have mercy// 

You come in word and in sacrament to strengthen us and make us holy: Christ, have mercy//

You will come again in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have mercy.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Prayers Of The Faithful

READER

* For our nation on this Australia Day. that we renew our determination to work together for justice, reconciliation and the common good.   (PAUSE)  Lord hear us:              

* For our indigenous brothers and sisters, the first peoples of Australia: that we have the grace to listen to their stories, understand their mourning and walk gently with them on this ancient land. (PAUSE)  Lord hear us:                         

* For country communities suffering from the oppressive heat, and the severe shortage of water. That every effort is made to provide them with the practical assistance and resources they need to manage.  (PAUSE)  Lord hear us:             

* For children and teachers returning to school this week. that they begin the year with energy and enthusiasm for the adventure of learning.      (PAUSE)  Lord hear us:       

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Memorial Acclamation

When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.

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Sundays Ordinary V 

Eucharistic Prayer II 

Communion side.  pwk:  LH
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Go forth, the Mass is ended.

 

Conversion of Saint Paul (weekday feast ) 25th January 2020

Homily  - conversion of saint paul (weekday feast ) 25^th January 2020

Please note that this is a weekday feast and not the Sunday's Readings and texts:

Readings: 
Acts 22:3-16
or
9:1-22;

Ps 116:1-2."Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News."

Gospel Acclamation: cf John 15:16 Alleluia, alleluia! I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord, to go and bear fruit that will last. Alleluia!

Mk 16:15-18

Image:  Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 753853219. LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2017: The mosaic of Conversion of St. Paul in Westminster cathedral and Blessed Sacrament Chapel designed by Boris Anrep (middle 20. cent.). Photo by  Renata Sedmakova
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the  - conversion of saint paul by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/non-sunday-feast-faith-hope-and-love-ep-201-the-feast-of-the-conversion-of-saint-paul/s-S2bMR  (EPISODE: 201)
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{Please note that this is a weekday feast and not the Sunday's Readings and texts}:

Prologue - A special celebration this weekend. Not a Sunday in the church calendar year, but a weekday feast day…. The Conversion of Saint Paul -  the apostle to the gentiles…. Saint Paul is my namesake feast day, and I truly treasure sharing the name Paul, with this astounding figure in the very early years of the growth of Our Lord's church. God's grace is at its most dramatic and astounding when a person stubbornly committed to persecuting the Way of Christ ends up having a complete conversion and becoming the greatest defender and preacher of Christ's message.   A truly inspiring example of God's power/…. "there is no depth that God's grace can not descend to, to find the lost,.. there is no limit to the heights Our Lord can lift up even the worst sinner….. ". This is faith hope and love.

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I have always loved stories of conversion and of a major change of heart and mind. Because, it is at the centre of the experience of humanity in relation to our loving, patient and long-suffering God.

Today's feast of Saint Paul's conversion is an example of this in excellent form!

What an amazing turnaround. God can even transform and make use of his most strident opponents and change them into his greatest champions. God's grace, love and mercy, in equal measure, re-order our misguided zeal and refine our human qualities to direct them to their proper purpose in building up his Kingdom of justice, mercy and grace.

This is certainly a moment and a quality that is well worth noting and commemorating.

One thing is clear; Paul, or as he was originally named, Saul, meant well.  He was ZEALOUS AND uncompromising in his desire to serve God by keeping the letter of the law and harshly dealing with anyone whom he believed was watering down his God's message.  The irony was that Paul by persecuting the followers of Jesus was well-meaningless but utterly wrongly serving his God. Unknown to Paul at that time, Jesus is God's Son and the Messiah - the chosen one of God.  All who follow him are being faithful to God's plan. Saul was ignorant of this and saw this motley band of disciples of Jesus as a threat - when in fact they were the hope of the Kingdom dawning. So, he sets off on the road to Damascus intent on destroying these followers of Jesus, only to have a profound experience along the way that completely changes him.  He meets the risen Christ. (It is fascinating that Paul, one of Christ's most vocal preachers and disciples, never met the earthly Jesus when he walked along the paths of the Holy Lands in his earthly ministry. Paul first encountered Jesus in his risen form, when he heard Jesus voice on the road to Damascus. It was then that he heard this voice from God saying "Saul, why are you persecuting me?"  Saul asks - who are you and how am I persecuting you? And the answer hits him like a rock…. I am Jesus, and you are persecuting me by mistreating my followers. The sudden shock that this zealous and law-abiding Jewish Pharisee, an expert in the law, was - by focusing only on the letter of the law, was actually thwarting the point of God's law and opposing God's plans, not only changed Paul to be a loyal Christian but changed his attitude to the right application of God's law.  The Law of God is an expression of a God who loves his people and whose love and grace and Holy Spirit is at the heart of any attempts to express or codify GOD'S ways.

The reading today feature Paul's testimony to his own conversion. Once he realised his error, Paul was able to put his determination, his previously misdirected passion and his loyalty at the service of Christ's gospel by tirelessly preaching of Christ and him crucified and Risen….and of the Holy Spirit who empowers all good efforts. Paul even was able to set aside his idea that one had to be Jewish and fulfil Jewish rituals to be a member of God's family and set about preaching to Gentiles and new lands and defending the right of those who were not Jewish to convert to Christ without first converting to Judaism.  Saint Paul is considered to be, by some historians, the second most important figure in the formation of the fledgeling Church after Our Lord. (*). He was a major part of the push to proclaim the message of Jesus to the ends of the earth and to people of all nations and cultures.

On this feast day, let us recall the times when we "figuratively) fell off our high horses, and experienced a conversion of heart and mind… when we saw our actions and focus in a new way that radically changed our priorities ever after this.   Me personally, I relate strongly to my namesake. He studied law and started off being a bit too focused on the letter of the law rather than the intention and spirit behind the law. A change of focus changes everything and helps us to encounter the loving, gentle, compassionate, merciful and parent-like God that is behind every law, every divine teaching and every action that motivates it and directs it.

Thanks be to God for his grace that gave us such a wonderful preacher, and apostle, and one who had such a bad start and a perfect conclusion -   Thanks be to God who turns our hearts and minds to his values, to his heart and good purposes.

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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image:  Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 753853219. LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2017: The mosaic of Conversion of St. Paul in Westminster cathedral and Blessed Sacrament Chapel designed by Boris Anrep (middle 20. cent.). Photo by  Renata Sedmakova

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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au

To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:

"Faith, Hope and Love,  - Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Prayers and chants  — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989,  and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009,  The Grail - Collins publishers.

Prayers of the Faithful -   " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'.   E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).

{Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -  by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The ….Gloria,  copyright 2011 ccwatershed.org. }

"Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of  William John Kelly -     Inspired by  1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul Kelly. Arranged, with additional lyrics and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

"Today I Arise" - For Patricia Kelly.  By Paul W. Kelly.. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer.  Arranged, with additional lyrics and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

[ Production -  KER 2020 ]

May God bless and keep you.


(conversion of saint paul)

(EPISODE: 201)


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My brothers and sisters, trusting in Gods mercy and love let us call to mind our sins.

Lord Jesus, you are the image of the unseen God: Lord, have mercy.//
You are the firstborn of all creation: Christ, have mercy//
You are the head of the body, the Church: Lord, have mercy//

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

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Memorial Acclamation

3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.

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Preface of Apostles I


Eucharistic Prayer II

Communion side. pwk: RH
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{Thanks everyone, and have a wonderful feast day, inspired and transformed by the Gospel of Our Lord, as preached by the apostle to the Gentiles...Saint Paul. .}

Second Sunday Ordinary time year A - Sunday,January 19, 2020

Homily Second Sunday Ordinary time year A - Sunday, January 19, 2020

 

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Isaiah 49: 3-6 1

 

Ps 39:2, 4, 7-10. "Here I am Lord; I come to do your will. "

 

Corinthians 1: 1-3

 

Alleluia, alleluia! The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. He enabled those who accepted him to become the children of God. Alleluia.

 

John 1: 29-34 

 

 

Image.  Shutterstock Licensed. Stock photo ID: 518053207 Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina 2016/11/13. Painting of Christ in glory and Holy Spirit descending upon apostles in the form of dove and fire tongues. Found in the chapel in Majcino selo (Mother's village). By Adam Jan Figel

 

 

Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Second Sunday Ordinary time year A - Sunday, January 19, 2020, by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-200-the-second-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-a-2020/s-9nvIo  

(EPISODE: 200)

 

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The Church Calendar year returns to Ordinary Time. This season takes up over half of the year and its really the time when there are no major seasons such as Christmas and Easter, or their preparatory seasons of Advent and Lent.  This is the time when the Kingdom of God quietly and slowly but surely grows in the ordinary and everyday moments and events of life.  Since the "ordinary" takes up a big part of our year, its important to appreciate the subtlety of this time. Whilst there might be not many dramatic and exceptional tone to this season, it is nevertheless really important. Except for the occasional feast Day or Saints day or memorial, the Church uses this time to quietly and progressively work its way through the flow of the readings assigned for the year. So, we get time to slow down, stop and breathe and really deepen our appreciation of God's word and God's values in the everyday moments of life.  This is a time for hidden treasures to be uncovered ... treasures kept in ordinary clay jars...  to use a biblical image...    

 

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Now that Ordinary time has well and truly begun, it is wonderful that the Scriptures speak of "Commissioning" and "sending." It is also good, from the outset of any new season, to recall clearly just WHO we are following and why. Including, what it is about him that is so important. To be clear about our Lord and master and his values and mission so that we can join in fully and with clear-sight. 

 

Like Isaiah, we too have been formed by God; called by God to be a light to ALL nations, not just a few….    We are also called to be open, and particularly to OPEN OUR EARS to God's word and to God's values and ways of seeing and thinking… (which are often refreshingly different from our own ways). We are commissioned to Keep God's word, by NURTURING IT deep in our hearts and cherishing and savouring it….    And also, to unstop our lips and use them to speak of God's goodness…. 

 

Meanwhile, in the gospel, John testifies that this is Jesus, the son of God is the sacrificial and spotless lamb who would take away the sins of all the world…   The one on whom the spirit rests….  This is also the meaning to which our discipleship testifies, in word and action. 

 

"All who have been baptized in Christ—share that same Holy Spirit, and are called to undertake the same mission—being a light to others, serving others, giving of ourselves in love, compassion and generosity, and to be instruments of God's mercy and kindness and justice." (1)

 

In the Gospel today three names are used to describe Jesus. (3) 

 

Firstly, he is called the "Lamb of God," / /"a symbol of strength in vulnerability... The Lamb of God (John 1:29), "takes away" the sinful condition of the world. Twenty-one centuries down the track there is still violence and hunger and exploitation on a massive scale. The work of the one strong enough to risk vulnerability so that others may have life, the work of God's Lamb, is never done." (2)   

 

Secondly Our Lord is called "the one on whom the Spirit descends and remains," Utterly filled with the Spirit and capable of giving this Spirit to others, he has the power and the desire to heal, to forgive, to help in practical ways, to work for justice and to show God's love to all. (3)

 

Thirdly, he is called the "Son of God," (or the Chosen One). ….. 

 

We can reflect at great length and deeply upon these "names and descriptions" of Jesus. As Our Lord asks Peter in another part of the Gospels, "But you. Who do you say I am?" So it is really important that we too reflect upon how we name Jesus. Who is Jesus to us? What qualities of Our Lord particularly move us and inspire us.  The image we choose at this time will reflect something of our growing understanding of the one whom we have pledged ourselves to follow as disciples." (3) 

 

Such images include, but of course do not exhaust the list, including….  Divine Mercy, Unconditionally loving Sacred Heart, Immeasurable and Inexhaustible Compassion,  Complete and Infinite Love, Suffering Servant, Utter Obedience, True Peace….Self-forgetting Rescuer; The "Perfection of  Kindness and Justice Embracing."    Restorer of Original Innocence.  Perfect Empathy, and so much more…  

 

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References:

 

Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

 (1) Fr Greg Friedman with the "Sunday Soundbite" for St. Anthony Messenger Press, on the Web at FranciscanRadio.org. Post by Christopher Heffron:    https://www.franciscanmedia.org/2nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/

 

 (2) Sr Veronica Lawson RSM.    https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/_uploads/ppage/files/Pastoral%20Ministry%20Office/19%20Jan%202020%20Reflection%20on%20the%20Gospel.pdf

 

 (3) Sr Patricia Stevenson RSJ. Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Second Week Ordinary Time A.   https://www.sosj.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/2ndWeekOrdinaryTime-YearA.pdf

 

Image.  Shutterstock Licensed. Stock photo ID: 518053207 Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina 2016/11/13. Painting of Christ in glory and Holy Spirit descending upon apostles in the form of dove and fire tongues. Found in the chapel in Majcino selo (Mother's village). By Adam Jan Figel

 

+++

 

Archive of homilies and reflections:  http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au

 

To contact Fr. Paul, please email:  paulwkelly68@gmail.com

 

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.

 

NB - It is often a week or so Ahead:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks 

 

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

 

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:

 

"Faith, Hope and Love,  - Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

 

Prayers and chants  — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

 

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989,  and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

 

"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009,  The Grail - Collins publishers. 

 

Prayers of the Faithful -   " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'.   E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).

 

{Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -  by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The ….Gloria,  copyright 2011 ccwatershed.org. } 

 

"Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of  William John Kelly -     Inspired by  1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul Kelly. Arranged, with additional lyrics and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

 

"Today I Arise" - For Patricia Kelly.  By Paul W. Kelly.. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer.  Arranged, with additional lyrics and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019. 

 

[ Production -  KER ] 

 

May God bless and keep you. 

Second Sunday Ordinary time year A

 

(Sunday, January 19, 2020)

 

(EPISODE: 200 )

 

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)

 

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{{May Our Lord's Fidelity strengthen us all in our discipleship.}}

 

Brothers and sisters, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Lord,s supper, let us recall our sins and acknowledge them in silence.?

 

Lord Jesus, you call your people to turn away from sin: Lord, have mercy//

 

You teach us wisdom and write your truth in our inmost heart: Christ, have mercy//

 

You forgive sins through the ministry of reconciliation: Lord, have mercy//

 

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.

 

+++++++++++++++++++++

 

Memorial Acclamation

 

1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.

 

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Sundays Ordinary I

 

Eucharistic Prayer One

 

Communion side.  PWK:  LH

 

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{Thank you for giving generously of  your time and prayer to this special time of savouring God's word}.

 

 

 

Go forth, the Mass is ended.